History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 167

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 167
USA > Ohio > Belmont County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 167

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present Weekly Gazette, which was then the largest paper in Eastern Ohio, thirty-six columns. In May, 1875, the Daily Ga- zette was enlarged to twenty-eight columns. Under the careful

. and efficient management of McFadden & Hunter, the Daily and Weekly Gazette have alike flourished and become the factors of public opinion in Ohio to no inconsiderable extent. The edi- torials of the Gazette are largely quoted by its cotemporaries throughout the country, as it is a strong advocate of currency reform, and democratic in every sense of the word. It favors the proposition that the government should coin all the money of the nation, whether paper or metal, and in its advocacy of this question, as well as others of a political nature, its editorials sparkle with originality of thought and a guarded enthusiasm, earning for it extensive patronage and influence, ranking it among the leading papers of Ohio.

"THE OHIO PRESS."

A first-class Independent newspaper opposed to corrupt leg- islation and in favor of " an honest government of the people and for the people, " was established in August, 1879, by W. R. Allison, several years previously proprietor of the old " Steubenville Herald." Mr. A. is extensively known and wide- ly experienced as a journalist in this community, and still re- tains the editorial chair on the Ohio Press. The Press is an eight-page paper, published every Thursday, and already has attained considerable prestige, as also an excellent circulation. The terms for subscription are $2 per annum, and its patrons certainly receive ample reading matter for their investment.

" THE STEUBENVILLE SUNDAY NEWS "

May be said to have grown out of what was once known as the Sunday Local, which enjoyed a merry existence of some two to three years, down to 1879, which year the News was started. It is an eight-page, 48 column, paper, owned by the Steubenville Sunday News Co., for whom Mr. G. G. Nichols is managing edi- tor. The publishing house is on Market, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and from present indications the News is likely to pursue a useful and successful career in Steubenville, though its circulation far exceeds the limits of Jefferson county.

STEUBENVILLE GERMANIA,

German weekly, appears every Saturday ; independent in politics, four pages ; size 26x40, subscription, $2.00; established by R. Schnorrenberg, August, 1870; from April 1, 1870 to April 1, 1879, the firm was Schnorrenberg & Gescheider. On this date the former retired, leaving Mr. Gescheider as sole proprie- tor and editor of the paper. Large circulation, steadily in- creasing throughout thisand adjoining counties as well as in the States of Ohio and West Virginia.

MUSIC, ART AND MECHANICS.

A BRIEF SKETCH OF STEUBENVILLE'S EMINENT ARTISTS-PAST AND PRESENT.

To the proverbial lengthy scroll of eminent men produced by the famous " Buckeye State," few cities have contributed a more flattering compliment than Steubenville. Not only statesmen, military veterans and learned advocates has she sent forth to the world (most of whom we refer to elsewhere) but the accom- plishments of music and fine arts have also found valued and distinguished votaries, in goodly numbers, emanate from the judicial seat of old Jefferson county, among whom, we may with pride refer to the following :

W. H. McDONALD is a native of Steubenville, and in very early life gave evidence of a fine talent for music while possess- ing an extraordinary fine voice. With care and culture he be- came quite a promising basso, rendering valued assistance to local singing organizations, and finally perfecting himself with four years study in Italy, where he acquired quite an eminence as a vocalist in several of the large cities. After his return he became associated with the famous Strakosh company, next travelled with Hess, Adelaide Phillips and others. He is now a member of the celebrated Abbott combination. He mar- ried Marie Stone, of Boston, a most accomplished lady vocalist, who is also in the Abbott combination. The happy pair occa- sionally return to the scenes of Mr. McDonald's youth, visiting relatives and friends, when they very generously favor a Steu- benville congregation with a rich treat in the rendition of a

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

choice selection of church music, at the First or Second Presby- terian churches, on the Sabbath, during their brief sojourn in the city.

MISS LIZZIE BROSIE, a niece of Mr. J. C. Butte, brewer of this city, is also achieving quite an eminence as a vocalist. While yet receiving her carly education at home, she displayed an ex- traordinary faculty for vocal music, and the excellency of her voice was strikingly apparent, as she lent willing service in local musical circles. Her uncle therefore resolved upon giving her a thorough musical education, and to that end placed her under eminent European masters. She has already attained gratifying distinction, and is rapidly increasing in popularity.

R. MASON JACKSON, at present in Europe perfecting his studies, also went from Steubenville. He located here with his parents when a mere boy, and his ability for music made itself manifest in very early lite. His great hobby was the piano, on which he excelled to the astonishment of every one, and he was recently sent to the conservatory of music at Stutgart, Germany, where he is still engaged completing his education and afford- ing increased assurances of having a brilliant career in store.

HENRY MOODY is a name that is still familiar in the ears of old settlers, as associated with instrumental music. He was a son of Mr. Moody, at one time cashier of the old Jefferson Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and his favorite study was the Key- bugle-an instrument of unexcelled sweetness when played by a skillful performer. He was at the height of his popularity about 1845-50, but a few years later-between 1854 and '60 de- parted this life. We are assured by competent judges who were familiar with his proficiancy that he stood absolutely unrivaled as a bugler and shared a very wide popularity as such.

WILSON MCDONALD is a son of Isaac McDonald, once Sheriff of this county. Wilson, from quite a boy, showed a wonderful taste for modeling, and even presented a bust of Henry Clay to our county officials, which stood for several years in the Court House. As he grew up he left for St. Louis, and became gen- eral agent for the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Co., but never lost sight of the gifted hobby. Indeed, he made a fine cast of Thomas Benton, Esqr., which is still standing in one of St. Louis' public parks, beside handling, in a masterly manner, numerous other fine subjects, including a life. like bust of O'Con- nor. His masterpiece, however in the line of sculptor, has been the fine statute recently unveiled at West Point, to the memory of the late gallant General Custer, which has earned for its sculptor national encomiums and celebrity.

E. F. ANDREWS, son of Alexander Andrews, a wholesale grocer of Steubenville, carly gave proof of an extraordinary talent for fine arts, and we believe, was a graduate of Marietta. He first went to Germany to pursue his studies in 1859, and has since been home and revisited the continent several times. He has now a studio in Washington City, D. C., and has produced num- erous master-pieces of art in Cincinnati, Columbus and other prominent cities; noticeably a faithful likeness of president Hayes. While recently in Steubenville he executed a splendid portrait of the late Capt. Charles Doty, for several days in view upon Market street, which was the theme of admiration by everyone. Nor should we omit to mention that another of his masterpieces- a length portrait of Martha Washington-is this year (1879) one of the finest art productions gracing the Cin- cinnati Exposition.

THOMAN COLE, though not exactly a native of Steubenville, was brought up here, and proved himself a perfect master at handling the brush. His talents ranged equally in the produc- tion of landscapes and portraits. In the latter respect Mr. John D. Slack, of this city, has still in his possession a perfect gem of art in the shape of a miniature picture executed with the brush by Mr. Cole, whose works of art, alike numerons as varied in subjects, still range very high in the estimation of eritics. He, however, died several years ago.

W. WATKINS was another distinguished artist who went out from Stubenville, and subsequently made a specialty of minia- ture portraits, in which study he is - said never to have been ex- celled in his day. He removed to Cincinnati, and there flonr- ished for several years, but about 1850 quit this transitory life, it is hoped, to view scences of Celestial beauty.

I-61-B. & J. Cos.

EZEKIEL HAWKINS, though really a native of Baltimore, came here when very young to reside in the association of his family kindred. He was uncle to Mr. R. C. Hawkins, at present organ- ist of the Second Presbyterian church, an accomplished musician and instructor. Ezekiel pursued his studies here and at Wheel- ing, as an artist, for many years; was the first to introduce the process of dauguerrotype in both the latter cities ; also was he the pioneer of the same process in Cincinnati about 1840. He was a gentleman of extraordinary talents and an inveterate ex- perimentalist, which led to his remarkable proficiency in the profession. While in business in the latter city, however, and residing at Covington, Ky., he died about the year 1863. But his almost innumerable masterpieces of art will even yet long survive him and preserve his memory green as the pioneer of a process that has achieved a perfection and popularity, in the study of fine arts, that will probably never die out.

OTHERS, NOT PROFESSIONALS, YET PROMINENT AMATEURS.

It must not be presumed that the " stars" already referred to exclusively represent the musical genius of this community, for they are really only the particular lights in the accredited radiant musical horizon that surrounds us. There have been, and are still, numerous less portentous disciples of Æolian studies, though only of local celebrity, who should not be over- looked. So far back as 1819 we are assured there resided here one - -- - Broadhurst, then engaged in the woolen manufac- ture, who, though a man far advanced in years, was a perfect master of the violin, flute, trombone and other instruments (organs and pianos, of course, excepted, as they were in those days few and far between). Being also a first-class basso pro- fundo, it is said he used to astonish and delight our local society, while largely conducing to the cultivation alike of instrumental and vocal music. But, unfortunately, the old gentleman passed out of this life in 1824, at the advanced age of eighty years, though a hearty and enthusiastic musician up to his death. Among our early efficient organists were Dr. A. W. Semple, Mrs. --- Reppard, Mrs. Morse, Miss Chase, &c. Then from 1820 to 1830 we find that, in addition to Mr. W. Hawkins, there stood exceedingly high as vocalists in our local choirs, Messrs. Bartlett, David Moody, William Woods, Thomas Matthews, John D. Slack, &c., whose names will doubtless bring back to the minds of old settlers the remembrance of many happy associa- tions when the love of pure harmony was not enthralled with so many absurd frivolities that characterize the taste of the present age of so-called musical progression. Though a length- ened list, from 1820 to the present, might be added, we will not attempt a complete enumeration of those meriting special dis- tinction, but among native and local talent, in this day, we may fairly include, as meriting distinction, Mr. R. C. Hawkins, son of the late Mr. W. Hawkins, who is the efficient organist of the Second Presbyterian church; Miss S. Marion, quite an accom- plished musician and instructor, presiding as organist at the First Presbyterian church ; Miss Emma Campbell, a very fine pianist, and organist of the Fifth Street Methodist church, and Mr. Joseph Zimmerman, of St. Peter's Catholic church, while in the matter of vocalists, good singers are so plentiful in our midst that to particularize would be invidious. Nor should we omit to mention that Captain S. F. Scull, originally of Steuben- ville, but now assistant general ticket agent for the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago railroad, at Pittsburgh, has proved himself quite a distinguished amateur vocalist and musician, also excelling largely as a composer. Among his ballads that have gained wide popularity are, " I Must Never Tell," dedi- cated to Mrs. Caroline Richings Bernard ; " Here's a Health, My Bonnie Lassie," " Sly Zephyrs," &c. His choral services and part services-Venites, Te Deums, Jubilates, &c., may be remembered by the score, as also his single and double chants. His ability will long be perpetuated by the interesting and popular ballads from his able pen, though his snecess in pro- ducing church music has been equally marked. The words of the psalmist are beautifully portrayed, in musical notation, over this gentleman's signature, and his compositions are extensively adopted in various places of worship at the present time, with the prospect of having taken a lasting root in the feeling of a christian community.

AMATEUR FINE ARTS.

While at present we do not find the pen, pencil, crayon and brush so extensively practiced as of yore, yet geniuses, with a taste for art accomplishments, by such methods, are still increasing and perfeeting. Mr. R. C. Hawkins, Mr. W. A. Long and

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others are exceedingly good as pencil, oil and water color artists, while Mr. C. Filson, also a photographist, is perfecting surpris- ingly as a crayon-ink artist. His portraits are exceedingly good, while he also excels largely as a caricature or cartoon artist.

THE LATE OLIVER CROMWELL GRAY -- This estimable gentlemen -a poetic genius-first saw light on Market street, Steubenville, Ohio, January 1, 1821. He descended from an old English fam- ily of the same name, of which also Thomas Gray, poet, and the author of the" Elegy in a Country Churchyard,"was a branch. The house he was born in is still standing on the principal thoroughfare of that thriving little city. If not the heir of for- tune, he was well born. In 1838 he finished his studies at the Grove Academy, and the same year began teaching school at Knoxville, Jefferson county, as also at Springfield, and sub- sequently studied law, at Cincinnati. He was admitted to the bar at Cleveland; came to Steubenville, and during the Mexi- can war became 1st lieutenant of the Jefferson Greys. He re- turned home in July, 1847, and remained here till 1849, when he started for the land of El Dorado. He, however, passed out of this lite July 31, 1871. His mind was highly cultivated in the various fields of intellect, and few professional men were more universally missed and regretted. In literature he had a fine taste, and as a poet evidenced exceptional talents-see sketch of his life and writings, edited by his nephew, David Gray Ficks, published by J. B. Lippencott & Co., Philadelphia, in 1872. The work in question is, indeed, a very fine one, contain- ing rare and valued selections that will perpetuate his memory for centuries to comc.

MECHANICAL INGENUITY.

Probably the greatest achievement in mechanical skill that has ever emanated from this state-and which promises yet to astonish scientific men throughout the world-is also to be credited to Steubenville genius. We refer to a wonderful "cos- mochonotrope, or astronomical elock," invented and patented this year (1879) by Mr. James F. Sarratt, jeweler, of this city. It consists of a clock that shows, for each day in the year, the exact time the sun rises and sets. Also the relative position of the earth to the sun-clearly exhibiting, at all times, that por- tion of the earth on which the sun reflects. It also elearly shows the equation of time, and why it is that sun time and clock time agrec but four times in the year-determines the latitude and longitude of any place on the globe-showing side- rial and sun time for astronomical purposes. In a word, for school purposes, any child of ordinary capacity can fully com- prehend siderial, mean or clock time, and equation of time. It virtually brings the studies in the high grades to the level of primary departments, and affords almost a "royal road" to scien- tific research. Already has it attracted the attention of, and astonished, many of our leading scientists, and the day is not far distant when this wonderful gem of human ingenuity will not only command general attention but universal adoption in all our distinguished educational institutions.

THE OHIO RIVER.

SYNOPSIS OF ITS HISOTRY-REMINISENCES OF EARLY NAVIGATION-THE DAWN OF STEAMBOATS ON WESTERN WATERS-ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST STEAMER AT STEUBENVILLE-"THE GEORGE WASHINGTON," AND CAP- TAIN SHRIENES' EXPERIENCES-STEAMBOAT BUILDING IN STEUBEN- VILLE-FIRST TRIP OF THE "BAZALEEL WELLS" TO PITTSBURGH- GRAPHIC AND AMUSING SKETCHES BY ONE WHO WAS ON BOARD-AN ACCOUNT OF THE ROBERT THOMPSON AND OTHER NAUTICAL MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST.

Of the original discovery of the Ohio, we may briefly state that the French explorer, La Salle, and the French were the first to navigate its waters in 1680. It is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monogahela rivers, at Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania. Its entire length, to the Mississippi, is 950 miles, if we follow its meanderings, through an air line from Pittsburgh to Cairo, would not exceed 615 miles. The current is very gen- tle, not exceeding three miles per hour, its average descent be- ing about five inches to the mile. Of course, at high stages of water this pace is greatly exceeded, while in dry seasons it some-

times falls short of two miles per hour. The mean height of the current is 50 feet, though in extraordinary freshets it has ex- ceeded 60 feet, above low water mark. There are are numerous islands along the Ohio, many being fertile and others sandy. The navigable waters of this river and it's tributaries are not less than 5,000 miles, and the area drained is about 200,000 square miles.

REMINISCENSES OF EARLY NAVIGATION OF THE OHIO.

Before the forests echoed to the panting of the steam engine the boats used for conveying freight and passengers were of a species known as Kentucky boats, barges and keel-boats. The length of these roughly constructed and awkward watercraft varied from seventy-five to one hundred feet, while their breadth of beam ranged from fifteen to twenty feet, giving them a carrying capacity of from sixty to one hundred tons. The receptacle for freight occupied a considerable portion of the hulk, and was called a cargo-box. Near the stern was a small apartment that served as a cabin for aristocratic passengers. The roof of this cabin was elevated above the main deck, and from this roof the helmsman directed the movements of the boat.

The boat was usually provided with a mast and sail, but when no wind prevailed to waft the clumsy craft on its voyage, oars and poles were substituted, while at other times the hardy boatman had reeourse to the cordelle, in which case each mem- ber of the boat's crew performed the service of a mule on the tow-path of a canal. At other times the wrapping process was adopted. The early boatmen were a hardy and lawless set of men. Their arduous labors gave them muscles of iron, and they were much given to exhibitions of their prowess by fre- quent hand-to-hand encounters. The most noted boatman of his day was probably Mike Fink, who has figured as the hero of more blood-curdling romances than probably any single indi- vidual who existed at the same epoch in the early history of the West. The veritable Mike was a blood-thirsty and revenge- ful ruffian of great strength and courage. An adept with the knife and rifle, by violence he lived, and the same fate he had meted out to so many others was finally his own doom, for, as the Kentuckians would say, "He died with his boots on." Of his tragic death, we learn that he was decoyed and deliberately shot, as follows :- His great boast was of the accomplishment that he could shoot a small drinking can of whisky from a man's head, with a rifle, at a very considerable distance. And those who knew him in life, aver that he was such an excellent shot that the feat in question was a very common occurrence with him. One day taking a little too much stimulant, how- ever-which was rather the rule than the exception with all the hardy boatmen-he undertook his favorite experiment, but only to aim a little too low and witness his trusty messmate fall a corpse. Notwithstanding Mike took the accident very hard, giving abundant evidence of his deep grief, yet there was one of the unfortunate victim's companions present, who enter- tained a strong impression that the killing was intentional. He carefully concealed his misgivings and only awaited his chance to revenge the deed. Some time afterwards, while a number of the boatmen were on a carousal, he boasted of Mike's prowess and stood for him to take the can off his head, which Mike successfully accomplished several times. Then he called on Mike to hold the can on his head, to which he con- sented. But the act was a fatal onc. His revengeful comrade availed himself of the opportunity, and in a second the notori- ous Mike dropped instantly dead-the ball having pierced his skull directly between the eyes. During Mike's earthly pil- grimage, we are told that his choice associates were the Girtys, Bill Harney, Joe Carpenter, Jim Stevens, Jack Dalton, and others, all noted freebooters, who made their headquarters at a romantic spot on the Ohio river, some twenty miles below Shawneetown, known as Cave-in-rock. Here in the fastness of their cavern they planned for future operations, divided their plunder and indulged their midnight orgies that frequently led to bloody encounters among themselves.

In 1794 a young man by the name of Green carried the mail between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in a pirogue or large canoe. This boat on her downward trip carried at times some little freight, and occasionally, for slight compensation, a passenger or two. These voyages were attended with considerable danger from the Indians, and in consequence the boatmen of that day as a class were experienced Indian fighters. The Wetzels and Fowlers, whose names are recorded in history as sanguinary warriors, were also pioneer boatmen.

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

FIRST LINE OF PACKETS BETWEEN PITTSBUGH AND CINCINNATI.

The first regular packet line between Pittsburgh and Cincin- nati was formed January 11, 1794, by the establishment of four keel-boats of twenty tons each, as appears by the following ad- vertisement in the Sentinel of the Northwestern territory, prin- ted at Cincinnati, by William Maxwell: "Ohio Packet Boats- Two boats for the present will start from Cincinnati to Pitts- burgh and return to Cincinnati in the following manner, viz : First boat will leave Cincinnati this morning at eight o'clock, und return to Cincinnati so as to be ready to sail again in four weeks from this date. Second boat will leave Cincinnati on Saturday, the 30th inst., and return as above. And so regu- larly, each boat performing the voyage to and from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh once in every four weeks. The proprietor of these boats having maturely considered the many inconveniences and dangers incident to the common method heretofore adopted of navigating the Ohio, and being influenced by a love of philan- thropy, and a desire of being serviceable to the public, has taken great pains to render the accommodations on board the boats as agreeable and convenient as they could possibly be made. No danger need be apprehended from the enemy, and every person on board will be under cover made proof to rifle ball, and con- venient port holes for firing out. Each of the boats is armed with six pieces, carrying a pound ball ; also a good number of muskets, and amply supplied with ammunition, strongly man- ned with choice men, and the master of approved knowledge. A separate cabin from that designed for the men is partitioned off in each boat for accommodating the ladies on their passage. Conveniences are constructed on board each boat so as to ren- der landing unnecessary, as it might at times be attended with dangers. Rules and regulations for maintaining order on board and for the good management of the boats, and tables accurately caleulated for the rates of freightage, for passengers and car- riage of letters to and from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, also a table of the exact time of the arrival and departure to and from the different places on the Ohio between Cincinnati and Pitts- burgh, may be seen on board cach boat and at the printing office in Cincinnati. Passengers will be supplied with provisions and liquors of all kinds, of the first quality, at the most reasonable rates possible. Persons desirous of working their passage will be admitted on finding themselves, subject, however, to the same order and directions from the master of the boat as the rest of the working hands of the boat's crew. An office of insurance will be kept at Cincinnati, Limestone and Pittsburgh, where persons desirous of having their property insured may apply. The rates of insurance will be moderate."

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History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 167

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 728

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728